The global Christian community is in mourning following the announcement that Marilyn Hickey, the pioneering Bible teacher, author, and media trailblazer, has passed away. Marilyn Hickey Ministries confirmed that the beloved evangelist died peacefully on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the age of 94. Surrounded by family in Denver, Colorado, her passing marks the end of a legendary ministry career that spanned over six decades and reached millions of people across nearly every continent.
A Trailblazer for Women in Ministry
Born on July 1, 1931, in Dalhart, Texas, Marilyn Hickey began her journey in ministry at a time when female voices were rarely heard in the forefront of global evangelism. Alongside her late husband, Wallace Hickey, she founded the Orchard Road Christian Center in Colorado. However, it was her transition into television and international missions that solidified her status as a household name.
Hickey was one of the first women to build a massive, sustainable global teaching platform. Her signature program, Today with Marilyn and Sarah, which she eventually co-hosted with her daughter Sarah Bowling, became a staple of Christian broadcasting. Her teaching style was characterized by a deep love for the scriptures and a practical, "how-to" approach to living by faith.
Covering the Earth with the Word
True to her ministry’s mission statement—"Covering the earth with God’s Word"—Hickey was known for her fearless international outreach. She frequently traveled to nations that were traditionally difficult for Christian missionaries to enter, including hosting major crusades and "Nights of Healing" in regions across the Middle East and Africa. Her ability to build bridges between different cultures and faiths while maintaining her core message of the Gospel earned her respect worldwide.
Beyond the pulpit, Marilyn Hickey was a prolific author, writing dozens of books that focused on Bible memorization, healing, and spiritual victory. Her legacy is not just in the millions of lives she touched through a screen, but in the barriers she broke for future generations of female ministers who now walk the paths she helped pave.
Tributes and Legacy
Following the news of her death, tributes have poured in from prominent Christian leaders, pastors, and followers. Many have cited her infectious joy and her unwavering belief in the power of prayer as her most defining traits.
In an official statement, the ministry shared a message of hope, noting that though they mourn this loss, they find peace in knowing she is now in the presence of the Lord. They emphasized that Marilyn dedicated her life to covering the earth with God’s Word and inspiring faith in countless lives, ensuring her ministry will continue for generations to come.
Marilyn Hickey is survived by her two children, Michael and Sarah, several grandchildren, and a global family of believers who continue to be taught by her decades of recorded wisdom. Funeral and memorial service arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
English (US) ·